NicoN Posted July 6, 2021 Report Posted July 6, 2021 Since I am new on this 1980 M20k, I noticed damge to this fiber glass part on the leadinge edge of the rudder fin. I am not sure if this parts really moves against the real rudder fin when using elevator trim. But, over the time the damage seems to get worse. Also, the metal of the fin seems t be affected Has someone seen this kind of damage/wear? What can I do? Sorry, but I cannot turn the pictures
ArtVandelay Posted July 6, 2021 Report Posted July 6, 2021 Did this happen slowly and deteriorated over time? Is the plane always hangared?
NicoN Posted July 6, 2021 Author Report Posted July 6, 2021 Yes, slowly. I see this since 2018. And the aircrfat is always hangared For me this part (a fairing?) is moving together with the fin.
EricJ Posted July 6, 2021 Report Posted July 6, 2021 You can check whether the fairing is interfering by running the elevator trim through its entire range on the ground while watching that spot. It shouldn't interfere, but if it does you can check whether the fairings are properly mounted or some other fitment issue is causing the interference. Is there any play in the tail if you lift up on the bottom just in front of the rudder? 1
PT20J Posted July 7, 2021 Report Posted July 7, 2021 It looks to me like the vertical stabilizer has been rubbing on the fiberglass fairing. This rubbed the paint off the stabilizer and flexed the fairing causing the gel coat to crack off. I would examine the fairing attachment to see why the parts are interfering. Maybe @M20Doc has seen this before. Skip
carusoam Posted July 7, 2021 Report Posted July 7, 2021 How new is the paint? How well are the other leading edges faring? Best regards, -a- Nico’s vertical fin, more vertical….
Andy95W Posted July 7, 2021 Report Posted July 7, 2021 I think it looks like damage, either a bird strike or hangar rash, that wasn’t repaired well. 1 1
Guest Posted July 7, 2021 Report Posted July 7, 2021 I have to agree with Andy, it looks like a poorly done previous repair. Drill out the rivets which hold it to the fin, remove it and repair it, then reinstall it. Clarence
Igor_U Posted July 8, 2021 Report Posted July 8, 2021 I agree with posters above, it looks like a bad repair. You might want to take this part to match the paint before start a repair. Good luck.
NicoN Posted July 8, 2021 Author Report Posted July 8, 2021 At least - I do not know anything about a previous repair nor a bird damage. This part looks as being fixed to the stabilizer and should not mov at all. I will try the trim movement
carusoam Posted July 9, 2021 Report Posted July 9, 2021 The paint cracks seem to indicate that the sheet metal has changed shape after its paint became solid… A close inspection may reveal what has caused the shape to change… It probably won’t take too much pressure to reshape the piece… back into its original form. Something is causing it to rub in a funny way… Running the trim all the way up will probably show the point of contact… probably would be helpful to have somebody run the trim while you watch what happens…. PP thoughts only, not a mechanic… Best regards, -a-
Recommended Posts